Daily Fantasy Strategy: Baseball Draft Day Tips

Here are essential tips you should consider on draft day as part of a successful daily fantasy strategy.  They are in no particular order, nor are they presented in any type of weighted format.  They are just here for you to consider, so use the ones you want while skipping those you don't.

• Everyone knows the key players, so take the time to research the players who will be taken in the late middle rounds to the end of the draft.

• To jack up the price of a player in a draft auction, open with a high bid.  Usually, everyone bids at least once on a superstar player in an effort to drive up his price.

• Nominate the following players early in the auction:  players you do not want, players from positions you are strong in, players on local teams, rookies, overhyped players and players coming off injuries.

• Balance the categories and don't throw one away.  Wins and batting averages are the least predictable of the categories so these are the ones to spend less on and let luck work in your favor.

• Pay attention to last-minute trades and transactions in Major League Baseball and judge how these will affect the playing time and dollar values of players.

• Draft some multi-position players or utility players to give you roster flexibility.  This can be a season-saver when injuries strike.

• Keep track of the prices players are going for compared with what you have anticipated, and then jump in and start buying when the players are going for less than expected.

• Do not come into the draft thinking you have to acquire a certain player at all costs.  Moreover, do not obsess over your favorite players.

• In figuring out which pitchers to take, get those that throw strikes.  You cannot defend against a walk.  Also, check for statistical trends.  Are they walking fewer, more, or staying consistent yearly?  Look at their strikeouts to innings pitched ratio.  The closer that ratio is to being one or above, the better.  The fewer a pitcher's walks allowed, the better.

• Stay away from long relievers, or relievers who may get put into the starting rotation.  These are the sacrificial lambs left on the mound when a team is behind 11-3 in the third.  They will pitch no matter what way until the eighth.

• Track the money your opponents have and the categories and positions they need.  Know who you are competing with and each owner's salary situation, especially in the end game.

• With all the things you need to keep track of, it may be smart to have a partner or a friend be with you on draft day and share in the draft duties.

• When acquiring hitters, try to get as many everyday starters as possible.  It’s not necessary to be big-name players.  A lineup of regulars is better than two or three superstars and a bunch of utility guys.

• Write down the name of the team that you outbid for a particular player.  That team's owner will likely be the most interested party in the event you wish to trade that player later.

• Generally, do not spend double digits on a rookie.  That way, if they bomb—and most do—it will not hurt you too much.  There are always exceptions to the rule, but you are better off following this advice more often than not.

• If you don't pick the pitchers you want in the early stages of the draft, then get situational lefties and set-up men to fill your roster.  They will post excellent stats, vulture some wins and keep you in the running until you can land those starters.

• Finally, remember that the draft is like a poker game.  Almost all the players have been reading up on info and advice.  Many know the other players' strategies through the years, so they may do something totally different than expected to ambush you.  Be wary, adjust to the trends and expect the unexpected when planning for your daily fantasy strategy.